Masika storms into Nairobi Open final

By BRIAN YONGA

In Summary

Masika will now face Morocco’s top seed Najwa Awane, who saw off home player Jane Ndenga 7-5, 6-4 in the other women’s last four encounter, in the final on Wednesday.

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Kenya’s Phoebe Masika on Tuesday sailed through to the final of the Nairobi Open Wheelchair Tennis event at the Nairobi Club.

Masika beat compatriot Asiya Mohamed Sururu 6-2, 6-4 in the women’s semi-finals and will now face Morocco’s top seed Najwa Awane, who saw off home player Jane Ndenga 7-5, 6-4 in the other women’s last four encounter, in the final on Wednesday.

Ndenga, ranked 186 in the world, went into the match as the overwhelming favourite and proved her mettle, winning in just over an hour to set up a date with Awane.

An elated Masika told Nation Sport her performance was the ideal preparation for the World Cup qualifiers which get underway at the same venue on Thursday.

“I have faced Asiya a number of times and I knew how to prepare for the match. The win gives me confidence going into the final and also the qualifiers where I want to help my country qualify for the World Cup,” Masika said.

BRIGHT START

Masika got off to a bright start, racing to a 5-0 lead as her opponent struggled to cope with her powerful serve.